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What to Wear

Daily Wear

For daytime, pack shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sundresses. These items suit exploring the town, relaxing at your accommodation, or visiting beaches.

Color Advice

  • Choose light colors to reflect sunlight and stay cooler.
  • In the evenings, a light long-sleeved shirt or light trousers or dresses can provide comfort. These also offer protection from mosquitoes and cooler breezes.
  • During the rainy season, a lightweight Packable rain jacket or a Compact umbrella proves useful for sudden showers.

Cultural Dress Code

Sint Eustatius maintains a relaxed atmosphere, and its cultural dress code reflects this. Beachwear is appropriate for beaches and pool areas.

Respectful Attire

  • When visiting towns, restaurants, or historical sites, dress respectfully. Wear a cover-up over Swimwear.
  • Modest attire, like covering shoulders and knees, is not strictly required for most public places. However, it earns appreciation when visiting churches or local government buildings.
  • Formal events are not common for tourists in Statia. Smart casual clothing usually suffices for nicer restaurants or evening gatherings.

Footwear Recommendations

General Wear

Sandals, flip-flops, and Comfortable walking shoes suit most daily activities around town.

Ideal for daily activities.

Hiking Footwear

Sturdy Closed-toe hiking shoes or Sturdy sneakers are important for trails, especially those on The Quill. The terrain can be uneven and steep. Also pack Socks.

Important for trails.

Water Activities

Water shoes are useful for rocky beaches or exploring tide pools, providing protection and grip.

Protection and grip.

Important Papers

Passport & Visa

Careful organization of your travel documents helps a smooth trip to Sint Eustatius. These papers are needed for entry, identification, and managing unexpected situations. Keep both printed and digital copies of important documents. Store digital copies securely, perhaps on a cloud service or encrypted USB drive, separate from your physical wallet.

  • Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
  • If your nationality needs a visa, carry the printed confirmation of your visa approval.
  • Always have digital copies stored on your phone and in a cloud service.
  • This provides a backup if physical documents are lost or stolen.
  • Bring your travel insurance policy information. Have both printed and digital copies readily available.
  • This includes your policy number, the insurer's emergency contact numbers, and details of your coverage.
  • If you plan to rent a car, you will need your valid domestic driver's license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
  • Carry your vaccination records and any necessary health documentation. If you take prescription medications, bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note.

Powering Your Trip

Power Adapters & Voltage

The voltage in Sint Eustatius is 110V/60Hz. The standard plug types are Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins with a round grounding pin). These are the same plug types used in the United States and Canada.

International Travelers

  • If you travel from Europe or other regions with different plug standards, a Universal travel adapter is necessary.
  • You will not need a Voltage converter unless your devices are not dual-voltage compatible.
  • Most modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers) are designed to handle both 110V and 220V, but always check your device labels.

Mobile Connectivity

Most modern smartphones are compatible with the mobile networks on Sint Eustatius. Local SIM cards offer a cost-effective way to stay connected. You can purchase these from providers like Chippie (UTS) or Flow (C&W).

Staying Connected

  • They offer options for local calls, texts, and mobile data.
  • Your phone must be unlocked before traveling. An Unlocked phone permits it to accept SIM cards from different carriers.
  • This gives you flexibility and avoids expensive international roaming charges.

Data Backup & Security

Portable Power

Portable chargers and power banks are very valuable. They keep your devices charged on the go, especially during long hikes, boat trips, or full days of sightseeing. A High-capacity power bank can provide multiple charges for your phone and other small devices. This ensures you can use navigation apps, take photos, and stay in touch without worrying about finding an outlet.

Photography Gear

A camera captures the island's beauty. A Waterproof camera or a GoPro for underwater photography is highly recommended. Remember to bring spare batteries and sufficient memory cards. You want to avoid missing a moment because of low power or full storage.

Backup Solutions

Consider backup solutions for your important data. Cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox offer a way to automatically back up photos and documents. Alternatively, a Small external hard drive gives a physical backup for your media. This protects your travel memories and important information in case of device loss or damage.

Personal Well-being

First Aid Kit

While the island has basic medical facilities and a pharmacy, having these items on hand provides immediate comfort and convenience. Prepare a basic Travel first aid kit.

Contents

Medications

Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use. Keep them in their original packaging with clear labels. Carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note. This helps prevent issues at customs and permits prescription refills if needed.

Over-the-Counter

  • Pack Motion sickness medication (especially if you plan boat trips for diving or snorkeling).
  • Antacids for indigestion, cold and flu remedies, and mild laxatives.

Environmental Protections

Insect Protection

Sun Protection

Gear for Your Adventures

Diving & Snorkeling

For diving and snorkeling, consider bringing your own Snorkel mask and fins, or a Full face snorkel mask. Personal gear secures a proper fit and hygiene. If you are a certified diver, a Dive computer is a valuable item to bring, monitoring your dives precisely.

  • While dive shops offer rentals, many divers prefer their own mask and computer for comfort and familiarity.
  • Snorkeling Gear: You can easily rent or buy snorkeling gear locally.
  • However, bringing your own is often preferred for fit and hygiene, especially your mask.

Hiking The Quill

For hiking, especially on The Quill, a small Daypack for water and snacks is important. Bring Reusable water bottles or a Hydration reservoir to stay hydrated during your ascent.

  • The tropical heat calls for ample water intake.
  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, as mentioned earlier, is also important for comfortable hiking.

Specialty Items

Some specialty items elevate unique Sint Eustatius experiences. A Waterproof dry bag is useful for boat trips or beach days.

  • It protects electronics, towels, and other valuables from splashes, sand, and rain.
  • Binoculars can be useful for birdwatching on The Quill or observing marine life from coastal viewpoints.
  • A Travel tripod captures stunning landscapes and sunset photos, especially in low light.

Rent vs. Bring

Scuba Gear

  • Most dive shops on Statia hold good quality rental gear, including BCDs, regulators, and wetsuits.
  • Bringing your own mask, fins, and Dive computer is common among experienced divers.
  • This saves space and secures your comfort.
  • Snorkeling Gear: You can easily rent or buy snorkeling gear locally.

Camping Gear

  • Camping is not a common tourist activity in Sint Eustatius.
  • Facilities are limited.
  • It is generally not recommended to bring camping gear, as suitable sites are rare.
  • Pack items that elevate your comfort and safety during specific activities. This approach helps you make the most of Statia's natural and historical attractions.

Small Details, Big Difference

Travel Comfort

Beyond clothing, documents, and activity-specific gear, some miscellaneous items significantly improve your travel comfort and convenience in Sint Eustatius. These are often overlooked but prove very useful. For comfort during transportation, especially on long flights to St. Maarten and the short connection to Statia, a Travel neck pillow and an Eye mask can make a noteworthy difference.

Rest & Protection

  • They help you rest and arrive refreshed.
  • Small Earplugs can also block out noise on planes or in your accommodation.
  • Pack a small, Quick-drying towel. It serves many purposes, from a Beach towel to a makeshift blanket or pillow.
  • Pack a Waterproof phone case for beach days, boat trips, or any water activities. This protects your device from splashes and sand.

Security Items

Regarding security items, a Small travel lock for your luggage brings peace of mind, especially if checking bags. While Sint Eustatius has a low crime rate, a Money belt or an RFID-blocking wallet holds added security for your cash and cards.

Protecting Valuables

  • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • For region-specific essentials unique to Sint Eustatius, consider a good quality Pair of binoculars.
  • They elevate birdwatching opportunities on The Quill or help spot marine life from coastal viewpoints.
  • A physical map of the island, even if you rely on digital maps, can be an useful backup.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

A Reusable water bottle is a must-have; you can fill it with desalinated tap water (generally safe in Oranjestad) or purchased bottled water. This lessens plastic bottle waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

A Reusable shopping bag helps lessen single-use plastic bags when you buy groceries or souvenirs.

Reusable Utensils

Consider packing Reusable utensils if you plan to enjoy local street food or takeaways, further minimizing waste.

Items from Home

Specialized outdoor gear, specific brands of toiletries or medications, and some electronics might have limited availability or higher prices. Bringing these from home is advisable.

Other Useful Items

Practicalities

Personal Preferences

  • If you need a specific brand of sunscreen or contact lens solution, pack it from home.
  • Compile a list of emergency contact information, including family members, your doctor, and your country's embassy or consulate.
  • Carrying student, senior, or press IDs is a good practice if you possess them.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack versatile items that you can mix and match. Focus on comfort and practicality for the tropical climate.

A thoughtful collection of these miscellaneous items contributes greatly to a comfortable and convenient travel experience on Sint Eustatius.